2026 Audi SQ8 Review
The 2026 Audi SQ8 may look like a premium family crossover, but underneath that stylish design sits a twin turbo V8 that completely changes its personality. In this review, we go through its construction, performance, design details, interior experience, and real-world driving impressions in a simple and informative way.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood of the 2026 SQ8 sits the EA825 4.0 liter twin turbo V8, one of Audi’s most respected modern engines.
Engine Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Code | EA825 |
| Size | 4.0 L twin turbo V8 |
| Horsepower | 500 hp at 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 568 pound feet from 2000 to 4000 rpm |
| Layout | 90 degree V8, hot V turbo layout |
| Bore and Stroke | 86 x 86 mm (perfectly square) |
| Compression Ratio | 10:1 |
| Block and Heads | Aluminium |
| Timing | Two chains, rear mounted |
| Fuel System | Direct injection only |
Audi also sells an RS version with 630 hp, giving buyers an even more extreme option.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The 2026 SQ8 uses the ZF 8HP90 eight speed automatic transmission.
Max torque input rating: 900 Nm or 663 pound feet
Plastic finned transmission pan
Paired with Audi’s Quattro AWD system with a Torsen self-locking center differential
Normal torque split: 40 front / 60 rear, can vary between 70 to 30 or 15 to 85
An aluminium drive shaft runs forward to the front axle. Heat shielding around the tunnel is extensive.
Cooling and Packaging
Smart ram air airbox design
Large central air filter
Air directed into side mount intercoolers
Good service access on the driver side
Bosch ECU mounted upfront
The engine uses 40 weight oil.
Exterior and Chassis
Audi has worked heavily on the chassis and underbody of the 2026 SQ8, and a lot of interesting details stand out when you look closely.
Exhaust and Towing
Quad outlet exhaust with metal black-finished tips
Active valves on the outer tips
Surprising towing capability of almost 8,000 lb
Built on the MLB Evo platform
Fully equipped model weighs 5280 lb
Front Suspension
The front also gets an aluminium five link multi-link setup with:
Dual upper ball joints
Sachs adaptive air dampers
Aluminium front knuckles
28 mm anti sway bar
Removable ball joints for easier maintenance
Rear Suspension and Sport Package
The SQ8 uses a five link multi-link rear suspension, built almost entirely from aluminium. With the Sport Package, you also get:
Sport rear differential with torque vectoring
All wheel steering
Active roll bar system (electromechanical actuator integrated into the rear anti sway bar)
Aluminium rear knuckle
Standard adaptive air suspension with aluminium air bladders
Sachs dampers made in Slovakia
Steering
Electromechanical steering rack
Speed dependent power assist
13.3 to 1 ratio
Functional carbon or fiberglass paneling around the rack area
Underbody
True dual exhaust merging into an H-pipe
Steel drive shaft
Multiple chassis braces and heat shielding
70 mm exhaust pipes with two mid resonators
Braking Performance
During the braking test, the SQ8 delivered an intense and controlled stop. The ABS pulsation and pedal feel stand out as strong points.
Front Brakes
Six piston monoblock calipers
400 mm (15.8 inch) rotors
Rear Brakes
Single piston caliper
350 mm (13.8 inch) rotor
Wheels and Tires
Optional wheels:
23 x 10 inch
BBS inspired gunmetal design
285/35 R23 Continental Sport Contact 6 tires
Functional design details include:
Air vents feeding the dual side mount intercoolers
High-quality inner fender liners
Laser headlights
LED elements integrated around the grille
Carbon fiber side trim
Interior Experience
The interior of the 2026 SQ8 mixes luxury and practicality with sporty elements.
Front Seats
Heated, ventilated, and full massaging seats
Optional red quilted stitching with S-line logo
Red seat belts
Highly adjustable bolstering
Large panoramic roof
Rear Seats
Heated rear seats
Dual zone digital climate control
USB C ports and a 12V socket
High quality carpeting
Carbon fiber trim available
Frameless doors
Bang and Olufsen speakers behind headrests
Storage
The SQ8 has a large rear cargo area, with:
LED lighting
Heavy duty rails
Subwoofer in the spare compartment
Metal hardware, cargo nets
Kick to open tailgate
Infotainment and Controls
The cabin uses a dual screen layout.
Upper Screen
Main infotainment
Google Earth navigation
Configurable themes
Lower Screen
HVAC and climate controls
Haptic vibration feedback
Other Features
Digital gauge cluster
Toggle style volume controller
Quick access button for safety systems
Parking assist
Customizable light and visibility settings
23 speaker Bang and Olufsen system with pop up tweeters
Driving Impressions
On the road, the 2026 Audi SQ8 behaves like a large hot hatch with V8 power.
Key Observations
Aggressive and quick launches
Strong mid range surges during shifts
Feels heavy but not top heavy
Excellent grip from 285 section tires
Flat and controlled cornering
Steering is light and video game like in town but gains heft at speed
Suspension is firm due to low profile 23 inch tires
Exceptional sound deadening
Slight throttle delay in regular drive mode
Much sharper response in sport mode
The drive modes offered include Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, All Road and Off Road.
Real World Fuel Efficiency
During a week of mixed driving, the SQ8 averaged a little over 17 mpg, which is respectable for a 500 hp, 5000 lb SUV.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Audi SQ8 stands out because it blends luxury, practicality, and true enthusiast performance. It does not follow the trend of soft, simple crossovers. Instead, it gives buyers a twin turbo V8, real Quattro, aluminium suspension, and sharp handling.
Audi has built something that feels like a giant GTI for adults, and in today’s market, that makes the SQ8 unique.
If someone wants even more power, the RSQ8 exists. But for many buyers, a well chosen SQ8 with the sport differential and Bang and Olufsen audio will already be the sweet spot.
2026 Audi SQ8 FAQ
What engine does the 2026 Audi SQ8 use?
The 2026 Audi SQ8 is powered by the EA825 4 liter twin turbo V8. It produces 500 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and 568 pound feet of torque from 2,000 to 4,000 RPM. The engine is a hot V layout with two turbochargers, aluminium block and heads, variable valve timing, Audi valve lift, and a 10 to 1 compression ratio.
How fast does the 2026 Audi SQ8 accelerate?
The SQ8 launches aggressively with strong shifts and quick power delivery. Review impressions describe it as similar to a giant high performance hatchback, with instant torque once the revs build. The twin turbo V8 and Quattro system provide a powerful launch feel.
What transmission does the SQ8 have?
The SUV comes with a ZF sourced 8HP90 8 speed automatic transmission. It handles up to 900 Nm of torque and includes a finned plastic transmission pan. The transmission works with the Quattro all wheel drive system using a Torsen center differential.
How does the Quattro system work on the SQ8?
The Quattro system normally sends 40 percent power to the front and 60 percent to the rear. It can vary from 70 percent to the front or up to 85 percent to the rear depending on traction. The sport package adds a sport rear differential with torque vectoring and rear wheel steering.
What kind of suspension does the SQ8 use?
It features a full aluminium five link front and rear suspension. The vehicle comes with adaptive air suspension and optional active anti sway bars connected by a large actuator. Shock absorbers are supplied by Sachs and the rear suspension includes all wheel steering motors.
How good are the brakes on the 2026 SQ8?
The braking system is very strong. It uses massive six piston monoblock front calipers with 400 mm rotors. The rear brakes use 350 mm rotors with a single piston caliper. Stopping distance is short and ABS feedback is smooth and controlled.
What wheels and tires come on the SQ8?
The tested vehicle had optional 23 by 10 inch wheels with a concave design and Continental Sport Contact 6 tires sized 285 35 R23 on all four corners. The setup gives the SUV a square stance and strong grip.
How much can the 2026 Audi SQ8 tow?
The SQ8 can tow almost 8,000 pounds when properly equipped with the optional towing package.
What is the interior like in the SQ8?
The interior uses leather, Alcantara suede, carbon fiber trim, and piano black accents. Seats are heated, ventilated, and include massage functions. Rear passengers get heated seats, dual zone climate control, USB C ports, and a premium feel throughout.
How advanced is the infotainment and sound system?
The SUV features two digital screens for climate control and infotainment. It supports Google Earth navigation and includes a 23 speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system with nearly 2,000 watts. The system uses pop up dashboard tweeters for high clarity.
Does the SQ8 offer good cargo space?
Yes, the rear storage area is large and practical. It includes LED lighting, small storage nets, a heavy duty cargo track, and an organized underfloor area with a subwoofer.
How comfortable is the SQ8 to drive daily?
Ride quality is firm because of the large 23 inch wheels and low profile tires, but the adaptive air suspension keeps the drive smooth. The cabin is very quiet due to heavy sound insulation. Comfort mode reduces stiffness while still keeping the vehicle responsive.
What fuel economy does the 2026 SQ8 deliver?
The reviewer averaged a little over 17 miles per gallon during a week of driving, which is reasonable for a 5,000 pound SUV with a 500 horsepower V8.
How much does a fully loaded 2026 Audi SQ8 cost?
A fully equipped SQ8 with all option packages comes in at just over 130,000 dollars. The reviewer suggested that at this price point some buyers may consider the higher performance RSQ8 instead.
Is the SQ8 good for handling and performance driving?
The SQ8 handles like a large hot hatch with impressive stability. Rear wheel steering, wide 285 tires, and firm suspension help the vehicle stay planted in corners despite its weight. Steering is light at low speeds and gains weight when driving aggressively.
Is the 2026 Audi SQ8 easy to maintain?
Under hood access is cleaner than expected for a twin turbo V8. The layout is less complex than some competing luxury performance SUVs and components like the Bosch ECU, ground points, and filters are easy to locate.
